OVERLAND PARK, KANSAS – November 6, 2024 – Eastern Shawnee Professional Services, LLC (ESPS), a tribally owned company of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, is excited to announce its recent approval by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to enter the prestigious SBA Mentor-Protégé Program. This partnership teams ESPS with Environmental Research Group (ERG), a seasoned industry leader, to enhance the capabilities and growth of both companies.
The SBA Mentor-Protégé Program is designed to enable small businesses to gain valuable technical and management experience, access to new markets, and to improve their ability to compete for government contracts. As the protégé, ESPS will benefit from ERG’s wealth of experience, resources, and expertise in key areas, including environmental consulting services and regulatory compliance.
“This is a significant milestone for Eastern Shawnee Professional Services,” said Matt Metcalf, CEO of ESPS. “Our partnership with ERG through the Mentor-Protégé Program will not only strengthen our service offerings but also support our long-term strategy for growth, particularly in the federal contracting space. Together, we are well-positioned to deliver innovative solutions to our clients and expand our footprint in the industry.”
The mentor, Environmental Research Group, brings decades of experience and a track record of success in providing advanced environmental consulting services. ERG’s President and CEO, Gina Foringer, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “Empowering small businesses with resources to compete and perform is not just about fostering growth; it’s about building a future where every small business can thrive. Through the Mentor-Protege Program, we are honored to support the ESPS and the Eastern Shawnee Tribe, and contribute to a vibrant, forward-thinking community.”
Through this mentor-protégé relationship, ESPS and ERG plan to focus on leveraging ERG’s established resources and ESPS’s unique 8(a) certification and tribally owned business status. The companies aim to pursue opportunities in environmental consulting services with various government agencies, including the Department of Defense, Department of the Interior, and Department of Energy.
The approval of this mentor-protégé agreement marks another significant achievement for ESPS, following its recent 8(a) certification and ongoing expansion efforts. Under the mentorship of ERG, ESPS will continue to build on its accomplishments and solidify its role as a key player in the federal contracting sector.
